It was cooling off. There was something about late afternoons that were magical. Maybe it was some part fatigue and some part excitement at an evening's festivities. That was likely more common in the summer months, maybe near the beach or out in the woods. It seemed possible in the city too, possible excitement for a night out on the town or a dinner date.

Devon knew he was volunteering and all, but he still was excited to be done for the day. After a busy lunch rush and helping get a somewhat disheveled man to a room to sleep off whatever he'd been drinking, Devon was looking forward to a relaxing night. He'd probably start that new Dresden novel.

First, however, he was trying to finish with these lights. He'd cleaned each of them around the perimeter of Sanctuary, along the front walls, at either side of the newly gleaming golden doors, and into the welcoming foyer. Then he polished a few years worth of grime off of them. Then he replaced the light bulbs. Now he had to figure out what was wrong with the damned switch.

"Mr. Hadden," came an expectant voice with a nearly bored tone. He looked up, knowing it by now and rightly finding Lisa Wilson attached to it. She was an intelligent woman and it was hard to miss a supply framed one at that. Her white blouse made her green eyes starkly apparent against the frame of her blond hair.

"Devon, Ms. Wilson. You can call me Devon," he replied, glancing back at his fiddling work. Thank God he'd remembered to turn the breaker off before jamming a screwdriver into the innards of the foyer wall. He wasn't messing with the electrical; he wasn't licensed for that but he'd worked a construction job or two. There were a few screws that needing tightening; this place had seen some ware.

She smiled, but it was a bemused almost knowing smile. "Yes of course, Mr. Hadden. I'll continue to use our surname as long as I see fit," Ms. Wilson insisted. She didn't leave room for argument. "A young woman should be by soon, a Miss Juliette Lawson. She is interested in volunteering here and considering your recent activity and seeming popularity, you should speak with her," she folded her arms over her chest.

"Uh huh," Devon replied. He'd met a few interested volunteers thus far and they seemingly either wanted a quick signature from Ms. Wilson for their hours served or they had other ideas in mind for the people here, including Ms. Wilson. Of course there were one or two... "Did she say why?"

"She's a nurse, Mr. Hadden. We would be lucky to have her," Lisa lowered her head, narrowing her eyes at the man squinting into the darkness of the wall's open wound. "I'm sure you will appreciate her contributions. Now, I will see if I can find you a flashlight."

Devon chuckled, "Okay, I'm sorry. Thank you, Ms. Wilson."

"You're welcome," she hadn't even finished speaking before turning around. Sanctuary's secretary could be abrupt but she was efficient. Anything Devon needed to help with whatever task he'd taken up, she seemed to find.

A faint smirk still on his face, Devon walked around the foyer, checking on the other outlets and fixtures. He didn't want this place blowing when they turned the lights on. He wanted people to see Sanctuary in a new light and an electrical fire wasn't what he had in mind.

Hospitals were hectic. Juliette had thought she knew what she was getting into when she initially took the job, but it was very different than she had expected. Then, after a year on the job, she had fallen into a bit of a rhythm; work, sleep very little, try to fit in a run every now and then.

Then, the week before, things changed. She had begun to volunteer at local schools and teach students first aid. There was no longer screaming all around her, and there weren't several people vying for her attention at all times. It was... Hopeful, actually. A little more than she had liked it to be.

The calm had become sort of addicting. She sought it in all aspects of her day; especially during the busiest times at work when the noise level was at its worst. Sure, the schools weren't exactly silent, and she was still needed all the time, but it was different. It was... Less insane. Much less insane.

So, the idea had begun to eat away at her thoughts. She had even requested to have less shifts at work. A risky move to be sure, but it felt worth it somehow.

With her extra free time, she had looked into more options like the schools. There wasn't a lot, actually, but through the whispers of the internet, her attention had been drawn to some place called the 'Sanctuary'. Apparently, there had recently been a change in leadership. A young man whose spirit hadn't quite been broken by reality yet had taken it upon himself to revive the place. Of course, that could be subject to change.

So, she found herself standing in front of a building with golden doors that looked to have been recently cleaned. Juliette had called ahead to make sure she could be used, and the response seemed positive. A little scarily positive, actually. 

Following a deep breath, she pushed open the doors. "Hello?" She called out, looking around down the hallways.

It was dark - probably from a blackout or something similar. The darkness sent shivers down the young woman's spine. It was unnerving to walk into somewhere that was supposed to be open and have it be so dark, especially with the added detail of her phobia. She clasped her hands tightly together to stop them from shaking so much.

From what she had read online, the Sanctuary was very accepting of mutants. So, maybe it wasn't a bad idea to let her mutation shine. Literally. It would solve her issue with the dark, and it would show whoever was in charge exactly what they were dealing with. If that was an issue, of course.

She had taken in a good amount of light before going there. It was a good way feel better, and it helped boost her confidence a little. Even if it jacked up her electricity bill.

Juliette made a little ball of light in her hand to start. It lit up the area around her and let her at least see where she was going. It was small, sure, but she could always make it bigger if needed.

After a second of walking, she came upon a male figure that appeared to be tinkering with a light switch. "Need some help?" She asked him, stepping forward with her light so he could see. 

"Yeah, can you shine that-" Devon looked up cheerfully and stopped abruptly. He knew it wasn't Lisa by the sound of her voice, but he hadn't quite expected the petite, effervescent woman that now stood beside him. She was honeyed creams and smoldering browns and oh yeah she carried a globe of light in her hand.

"Thanks," he grinned, having only paused a moment though still clearly obviously surprised. "My eyes had adjusted but they were struggling. I'm trying to get all the lights fixed and working outside and here in the foyer." He lowered his screwdriver, straightened up, and offered a hand, "I'm Devon."

His head canted slightly, his grin broadened as his azure eyes narrowed. "...You're Juliette Lawson I take it? I was told there was someone coming by they wanted me to talk to. I guess I'm the welcoming committee though most usually meet the secretary, Lori Wilson, first."

"Ah, hello," came the woman's voice emerging from the dark archway of a hall nearby. Lori tapped her phone and shut off its light. "Welcome to Sanctuary, Miss Lawson. Thank you for providing Mr. Hadden a flashlight."

Devon rolled his eyes but he grinned. "Seriously, thank you."

She had been right; the darkness wasn't just for mood lighting in the Sanctuary. That made her feel a lot better, especially since she had planned on spending more time there.

"That's me," Juliette nodded at the mention of her own name. The man in front of her was obviously in the loop, so she took that as sign that he was the new blood she had read about over the internet. He introduced himself as Devon, which fit in with the name she had sort of remembered to be Damon.

Her attention was brought to a woman with choppy blonde hair. She was dressed nicely; maybe even a little too nicely for her surroundings.

"Sorry, I guess I just sort of barged in, didn't I?" Juliette remarked. She hadn't even thought about there being a hierarchy when she walked in. She was far too used to being able to walk right past reception at the hospital. "I just didn't really see anyone when I walked in. That might have had something to do with the darkness, though."

Juliette shifted her weight to one leg and let the ball of light run across her fingers and travel to her left hand so she could have access to her right one. She extended her dominant hand to Devon for him to shake. If it had been brighter, she would have just reabsorbed it, but she wasn't ready to let go of the comfort or vision it provided. "Well, it's good to meet you, Devon. Are you the one I would talk to about volunteering opportunities, or is that Lisa again?"

"Yes, please speak with Mr. Hadden," Lisa Wilson clarified immediately. "And you did not barge in. Our apologies for the dark entry."

"Yeah, sorry," Devon nodded as he shook her hand. "I'm trying to get everything clean, clear, and working. I guess I've been here so much lately they're trusting me to facilitate some things."

"Indeed," said Lisa. "Welcome to Sanctuary, Ms. Lawson. I do hope you consider volunteering here."

"Thanks, Ms. Wilson," Devon nodded, waving her off as she went to her desk. "I heard you were a nurse? Some people could really benefit from maybe a quick look. It wouldn't have to be official but if necessary you could send them off to the clinic. A lot are... Well, different enough they need someone to trust in telling them what to do and where to go."

He paused and sighed. "I should show you around. I'm sorry to get ahead of myself. Let me tighten this up," he said while working, "And we can be on our way." The faceplate back in place he stepped back and then paused again, glancing sideways at the newcomer. "Care to do the honors? We could use a light touch around here," he smiled, a little chuckle in his voice as he emphasized the word light.

"I'd be happy to help wherever's needed," Juliette smiled at the two of them. "I know that many people can't get accessible health care, so that would be somewhere I could be used. Of course, there's no need for me to do just that. I mean, I can't cook anything, but I can definitely serve food."

>>"Care to do the honors? We could use a light touch around here."

Juliette chuckled lightly at his pun. It was one she hadn't actually heard before. Most people simply went with Romeo and Juliet ones after hearing her first name. But to be fair, she didn't typically share her mutation with people right off the bat. It was a commendable effort. Much more so than the lazy 'where's your Romeo'.

"Of course," she nodded and stepped forwards to tighten the face plate. It only took a second before the lights blinked on. Feeling more secure, Juliette clasped the little ball of light in her hand, making it disappear. There was no need for it since the lights were on. 

"Is it time of a tour?" Juliette asked him, looking around down the hall which she could finally clearly see. It looked a lot better than what she was expecting of a homeless shelter. It looked like someone had recently done a good deal of work on it. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys offer."

Devon smiled as light flooded the foyer. Outside, twin lanterns illuminated the golden doors and tall torch lamp posts around the perimeter grounds of the old building flare into life. Sanctuary was alive with light, a bastion in the darkness. It was a metaphor that did not escape Devon's notice.

Neither was the fact that Juliette had come as he was finishing up here. If Ms. Wilson had known, that was impressive, but either way it certainly seemed fate for her to come now. Maybe he'd tell Juliette why later, but few people wanted to her religious practice information when first meeting someone. In no way was Devon a proselytizer, not of religion anyway.

"It is definitely time for a tour," Devon smiled a little brighter now. "I'm looking forward to showing you around," he nodded. "I have to say I appreciate you noting you're willing to do whatever like serving food to those who need it. Some people do show up for their 'help hours' for whatever reason they have them and then still expect us to sign off when they say they won't do certain things like serve food or clean floors."

He inhaled deeply, watching the shift in air as he breathed. "Let's start with the first floor. We've got a few commons rooms, a large dining room..." Devon led off. They moved through those rooms and then the rather large kitchen, perfect for cooking large batch meals. Ms. Wilson had told him it was busiest on Thanksgiving and Christmas but it was the mid summer months that they needed the most help.

Some waved or said hello to Devon, even Juliette as they passed. Others weren't as friendly to new faces or avoided eye contact, but some had their reasons for privacy. Not everyone here was as open about whom they really were as some after all.

"I should show you the infirmary. It's curiously large," Devon exchanged a glance with Juliette. "I ask Ms. Wilson about that and she said," he paused widening his eyes and inclining his chin to look seriously down his nose as his voice became lighter but sterner, "'That is correct.'" He chuckled. "I'm guessing this place used to be a hospital of some sort or something. Maybe for an old money family or something."

The sanctuary looked completely different with the lights on. Juliette hadn't even noticed how many people she must had walked past on her way to find Devon. Most people were friendly enough; offering them a sort of smile as they passed, but there were a few people that completely averted eye contact. It made sense, really. Many of them were unused to kindness in any form. The streets of New York could be unforgiving.

Despite some of the signals she was receiving, Juliette did her best to smile at them. She was used to having to be kind to people that didn't return the sentiment.

The surroundings, however, were a different story. She wasn't entirely sure what she had been expecting, but what she was seeing certainly wasn't it. The rooms were a lot bigger and they were far more furnished than she was imagining. When she had gone to a soup kitchen before in a different city, it had just looked like a large cafeteria.

Her eyes grew even wider when she saw the infirmary. It much, much bigger than she had hoped. It may have even been more decked out than some parts of the hospital. Where a halfway house had managed to get the funds to build something like that, she had no idea. Especially since Lisa was apparently so secretive about it. However, that didn't matter that much. What did matter was that she could do a lot of good work with what the room provided. 

"This is... Incredible," Juliette breathed out. "It'll be really great for treating people."

"Yeah, quite so," Devon nodded slowly. It was incredible, and he had to wonder to what extent it'd ever be needed. Bomb shelter maybe? Maybe it had been an old hospital but then why keep it up like this? It's not like a shelter would ever need this much preparation for medical attention...

"I'd thought of working with Sanctuary to call in some clinic workers but maybe we can do something a bit more formal?" Tempest asked with an upturned brow. "You're the nurse so whatever you think best there. Feel free to set whatever hours, but I think it'd be good if maybe you could schedule some specific times for those that do need something looked at without fear of their mutancy causing a problem in getting that informed, medical opinion. I'm starting to the do the same."

After a pause, he added quickly, "On a therapy, group therapy level that is. I don't have any medical training but I'm trying to finish my psychology degree. With some of the certifications I've gotten I can at least run some therapy sessions, some talks..." He shrugged, "Whatever can help. I'm going to start a Mutants Not So Anonymous group I think. Easy to come out of the closet when you're with kindred spirits."

He certainly hoped so but people were still afraid to be themselves, still ashamed because someone had taught them to be. It was sickening. Humanity had some serious issues to still evolve past.

"I could set up something more formal," Juliette nodded, liking the idea. "My schedule is less than ideal right now, though, so I could only offer a few hours a week. That being said, if we set up something more formal, hopefully there would be enough other people that it wouldn't matter."

If they started up something in the infirmary, hopefully it would eventually become either large enough, or efficient enough that she wouldn't be necessary to its survival.

"As for the support group," she started, "I really don't have any qualifications for that. But, I think it would be great if you started one up. If I have time, I would love to try to help out."

The support group really was a great idea. Some of the kids had been through so much during their time on the streets, or even just living life as a mutant. Her only wish was that something like that had been accessible when she was that age.

She walked around the infirmary, giving some of the items a closer look. "This place really is completely stocked," she noted, "we won't need to worry about buying anything for at least a few weeks. Maybe even months depending on the crowds."

"I'm glad you're here," Devon nodded. "This place and these people really need the help. Whatever you think is best is fine. I'm trusting in your experience as I guess Sanctuary is trusting in mine. If you think it's well stocked, then I'm sure it is."

He smiled, walking over to a small waiting area and taking a seat. "I'm glad you like the support group idea. I'm going to run a few and hopefully some can just be a group of anyone wanting to talk about how they feel, how they're treated. I'm sure there's humans who feel the brunt of their condition. I'm fairly concerned some might just for staying here."

"If you know of anyone else who'd want to volunteer, please ask them. The more, the better," Devon leaned back. "And the groups aren't merely for everyone else, they're for all of us. You and I as well. I think I'll need to stick with a group of peers for my unburdening but all the same. It's not like my life is perfect."

"Can I ask about you? Don't feel you have to tell me anything but if we're going to work together, maybe a bit more," he shrugged but smiled good-naturedly. "I'm finishing my psych degree as I said. I'm from New England, primarily Massachusetts. I work quite a few temp jobs but it works out considering classes and now here. I'm here often now."

Juliette nodded as Devon spoke. She hadn't even thought of some of the things he had considered. Humans really would have been affected by the mutants and some of them would need support just as much as some of the mutants. It really was good that Devon was in charge at the Sanctuary.

"Yeah, I can talk to some of my contacts at the hospital and see if they're interested," she agreed. It was a long shot with most peoples' busy schedules and the added awkwardness of it being a primarily mutant Sanctuary, but she felt that it was worth trying.

"Yeah, I guess so," Juliette shrugged. "I was born in Trinidad, but I don't really remember it much since my mom moved me to Georgia pretty soon after. I went to University in Ohio, and since then I've been working here. It's only been a few months really, but the city makes it feel like longer."

It was a broad tale of her life and missing many details, but she felt like it was good enough for a first meeting. She didn't think that it was the best idea to dump all her baggage on him on the first day.

"Great," Devon said in response to her offer to talk to some at the hospital. "Any who want to help certainly can."

He listened quietly to her background, born far away but growing up down south. She'd done a fair amount of traveling going to school in Ohio and now coming here. It seemed easier for those who'd already traveled/moved a distance to pick up and move again. He'd barely spent time outside of the northeast except for a few vacations and short trips.

"Same here actually. I moved a few months ago and while I was waiting for my first job, decided I need to put my time to better use so I came here," he glanced around. "It really does feel like longer and I think you're right," he nodded. "It's the city. It was a lot to handle at first, but once you learn the schedules and the general layout of the city..." He shrugged and smiled, "Now it's like exploring will uncover new places to check out. It sounds like you've been far more a traveler and explorer than I though. I envy that. Must have given you some interesting experiences and I bet a certain wisdom of the people."

He paused though glanced around as if trying to find the right words before continuing. "I need or needed more of that. Still do I guess. Sanctuary, my temp jobs... I meet lots of different people and I think that's good. It's going to make me better at my career and hopefully be able to help others more."

"Well I commend you for it," Juliette smiled at him. "I don't think I would have had the courage to give up a career for volunteer work when I first started. After a year or so, though... I don't know... This just feels more important somehow."

Juliette walked around the space of the infirmary, giving the space she was presented with another look over. There really was everything; beds, bandages, just about every kind of medication every created, and even a defibrillator. There would be no need to worry about anything related to stocking or running out of space.

She took a seat on one of the stretchers and turned back to face Devon. She had several questions, mostly about his position there, but she decided that maybe some weren't appropriate at the time. Such as whether or not he was payed for his time. She was curious about it, though. How else would he afford to live in New York City without some kind of salary?

"How did you find out about this place, anyway?" Juliette asked instead, sticking to a less personal question than some of her other choices. 

Devon didn't know how to respond to her compliment. He was not used to such sentiments and honestly, he wasn't sure how much he deserved it yet. Did he feel better helping here? Yes. Was he getting something out of it too? Absolutely. He spent far too long wallowing in his own self pity and working toward his own betterment, forgetting his very career path was about helping others. He smiled a bit reluctantly; it seemed the best response.

He watched her explore the area a bit further, opening cabinets and drawers, inspecting equipment and the medical cabinet. He'd have to get her the key to the infirmary and to the cabinet. She seemed highly qualified if Ms. Lawson was to believed and he highly doubted she had time for silliness or even white lies.

When she sat down and looked back upon him, his brow lifted and he inhaled, watching the movement of the air as if that could settled his nerves. For the first time in a while he felt he was being appraised though Lawson had certainly made him feel similarly. He avoided people regularly in a social aspect, but here it was a job of sorts. Her question wasn't out of nowhere though, so he was a bit relieved.

"Oh," his lips curled into a small grin, his voice betraying that relief. "I looked up some good volunteer opportunities online. Figured I could get involved before I got too busy with school and the temp job they found me at this news station wasn't going to start for a week. I looked up mutant charities and here I am."

"I am one, after all," Devon admitted. "And I thought hey, you want to help people? There's your chance. I like that it's not just about being a mutant as well. It's 'who needs help' and 'hey we acknowledge mutants exist and need help too,' he explained, voice deepening around the select phrases as if quoting some corporate executive or politician.